Tech Arsenal for Activists

There's a groundswell of new activists organizing in the current political landscape and technology is a powerful tool to aid in social activism. It can, however, be complicated to know where to begin or what to do beyond retweeting yet another plea to "contact your senator!" Here is an arsenal of apps, podcasts, and websites to help concerned individuals pave a path towards activism by staying informed, learning how to get involved while also keeping you entertained and sane.


Countable

Recognizing the inherent difficulty of tracking the frequently complex machinations of the Legislative Branch, Countable is an application through which voters can remain informed and updated regarding congressional lawmaking. Users of the Countable app are not only provided with brief, non-partisan summaries of pending or active legislation, but they are also able to quickly communicate their opinion directly to their congressional representative by voting "Yay," or "Nay," through the app. Countable aims to further connect members of Congress with their respective constituents, thereby ensuring elected officials are held accountable to the voters they represent.


Pod Save America

With the goal of providing access to thoughtful, informed, and, perhaps above all, sane political discourse, Pod Save America is a self-declared no-bullshit conversation about politics. Founded by experienced politicos that include Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, Dan Pfeiffer and Tommy Vietor, Pod Save America dissects American politics in the most direct manner possible while acknowledging the need to engage, entertain, and inform listeners.

Vietor also recently launched a sister podcast, Pod Save the World, leveraging his experience as President Obama's National Security Spokesman into a thoughtful podcast about foreign policy issues.

5 Calls

A growing chorus of voters has expressed increasing concern and dismay that the voice of the people is not being heard by lawmakers or worse, ignored. 5 Calls addresses this critical issue by providing voters with information and guidance intended to ensure each voter's voice is not only heard but is also amplified in the most substantial way possible.

5 Calls understands that lawmakers are most likely to be swayed by a deluge of constituent phone calls, which is why it researches the issues most important to voters and provides contact information for the most appropriate representative. 5 Calls also provides an outline or script so callers can clearly and succinctly express an opinion to the appropriate representative.

Also, check out democracy.io to easily send messages to representatives and Faxzero to fax a senator when you can't get through via phone.


Togetherlist

Togetherlist is designed to create a united front for social justice advocates, groups, and organizations representing different causes yet sharing a common goal. Volunteers, organizers, and supporters can quickly and easily access a comprehensive database of advocacy groups and organizations working in support of a wide range of causes. Togetherlist uses technology to connect with organizations and people who can make an actual difference and allows one to get off the Internet to join the efforts.


Track Trump

Track Trump eliminates all the sound and fury emanating from the White House and instead provides substantive coverage of the actual policy changes being proposed or introduced by the new administration. Through the use of a straightforward and easy-to-use digital dashboard, Track Trump users can compare the campaign promises made by the current president with the actions taken since entering the White House. Progress can, therefore, be seen in real-time, providing users the opportunity to hold the president accountable to the people he represents as President of the United States of America.

Signal

Signal provides end-to-end encryption designed to ensure all communication between Signal users is secure and protected. Using Signal's end-to-end encryption, it is possible to engage in one-on-one as well as group voice or text conversations. Users are also able to use the Signal app to send images and videos to other Signal users.

Recently, some activists concerned about the new administration's potential willingness to engage in abuses of power, or perhaps even fearful of retribution -- have taken to using Signal as a way to ensure their communications remain secured against any unwanted intrusions.

CSPAN Radio

Available through iTunes, Stitcher, TuneIn, SiriusXM, AudioNow as well as through the C-SPAN Radio app, C-SPAN Radio provides a live stream through which listeners can listen in on congressional hearings as well as speeches given by political leaders. Their gavel to gavel coverage of House and Senate sessions familiarizes listeners with the inner workings of the legislative branch without any partisan analysis.

An arsenal should also be rounded out with a news app from a source with minimal partisan bias. Check out the apps from Reuters, BBC News or NPR News, for excellent sources of analytical news.